By Stig Editor Michael Rosenbaum, ‘Smallville’ Star, Cast as New Superhero in Netflix’s Upcoming Series Superb…
June 12, 2025 – Entertainment Desk
Michael Rosenbaum, best known for his iconic portrayal of Lex Luthor on The CW’s hit superhero drama Smallville, is returning to the superhero world—but this time, he’s switching sides. Netflix has officially announced that Rosenbaum will star as the lead in its upcoming original series Superb, playing a brand-new superhero character created exclusively for the show.
From Villain to Hero
Rosenbaum, who won critical acclaim for his layered, charismatic performance as Superman’s greatest nemesis, will now don the cape and cowl in a role that’s described as “emotionally complex, morally conflicted, and deeply human.” His character, named Ezekiel Rayne, is a former military strategist who gains extraordinary powers after a mysterious cosmic event but wrestles with his sense of justice in a world plagued by corruption and manipulation.
According to Netflix, Superb will dive deep into the psychological toll of heroism, exploring the gray areas between good and evil. The series is being developed by acclaimed showrunner Lena Wyatt (Dark Core, Glassfield), and season one will consist of eight hour-long episodes.
Rosenbaum’s Reaction
In a statement shared on social media, Rosenbaum said,
“I’ve played the villain for years, and I loved every second of Lex. But when Netflix approached me with Ezekiel Rayne, I saw a chance to explore what happens when someone burdened by his past still chooses to fight for the future. He’s not perfect, and that’s what makes him superb.”
What to Expect from Superb
The official synopsis teases a gritty, futuristic setting where superhero regulation is government-controlled, and powers come with a price. Rayne becomes part of a secret task force to combat rogue meta-humans—only to discover that the real threat may be coming from within the very institution that created him.
The show will blend grounded sci-fi with action, character-driven storytelling, and sharp political commentary. Fans can expect intense fight choreography, emotionally charged storylines, and some surprising cameos from other rising stars in the Netflix universe.
Fan Reactions and Anticipation
Social media exploded with excitement following the announcement. Longtime Smallville fans praised the casting, calling it a “full-circle moment” for Rosenbaum, while newer audiences are intrigued by the darker tone of the show.
Netflix also released a first-look teaser image featuring Rosenbaum in the sleek, battle-worn black and silver suit of Ezekiel Rayne, standing in the rain atop a burning city skyline—already fueling fan theories.
Release Date
Superb is currently in production in Vancouver and is slated for a Spring 2026 global premiere on Netflix. Given the star power of Rosenbaum and the creative team’s reputation for genre-bending storytelling, Superb is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated new series of next year.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes updates and trailer releases in the coming months.